You are currently viewing Best Hood Strut Brand Reviewed: Top 5 Picks for 2025
Complete guide to the best Best Hood Strut Brand available in 2025

I’ve been wrenching on cars for years, and few things are more annoying—or dangerous—than a failing hood strut. That moment when the hood slowly starts dropping requires fast action! If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s safety and convenience, finding the best hood strut brand is crucial. We’ve done the heavy lifting, comparing durability, installation ease, and vehicle fitment to bring you the top replacement gas shocks available today.

ARANA Hood Struts for Ford F250 F350 2017-2022, Front Hood Shocks Lift Supports Spring Fits F250 F350 Super Duty 2017-2022, F450 F550 Super Duty 2017-2018, 2 Pcs

These ARANA struts are built specifically for the demanding weight and size of modern Ford Super Duty trucks. If you drive an F-250 or F-350, you know the hood is heavy, and these shocks offer the strong support needed to securely hold it open, freeing your hands for engine work. Installation is a breeze; they designed this set so that you truly only need a simple flat screwdriver and five minutes of your time to complete the replacement.

Key features that stand out:
Perfect replacement long lasting and durable for Super Duty trucks.
– Interchangeable with multiple key OEM part numbers (e.g., HC3B16C826AA).
Installs in 5 minutes with minimal tools required.
Strong support eliminates the need for manual propping.
– Comes with an 18 months support commitment.

Pros:
– Provides robust lifting force necessary for heavy truck hoods.
– Excellent vehicle specificity for newer Ford models.
– Exceptionally fast and simple installation process.
– Long warranty period for peace of mind.

Cons:
– Specifically limited to newer model years of Ford Super Duty trucks.

Best for: Owners of 2017+ Ford Super Duty trucks needing heavy-duty, exact-fit hood support.

Expert Opinion: For large trucks like the F-Series, you cannot compromise on lifting force. These ARANA struts are engineered to match the high force required by the heavy hood, ensuring safety and compliance with OE standards.

ARANA 55113748AA Hood Strut OEM Shock Lift Support for 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee & 2011-2022 Dodge Durango with Factory Aluminum Hood,1 Pcs

This single-piece ARANA hood strut addresses a common replacement need for popular Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs, especially those equipped with the lighter factory aluminum hood. Matching the exact OEM replacement number (55113748AA) means you get reliable performance and a fit that is indistinguishable from the original part. Like other ARANA products, the focus here is on quick installation and durable performance, allowing you to quickly get back to hassle-free engine checks.

Key features that stand out:
Perfect replacement long lasting and durable specifically for vehicles with factory aluminum hoods.
– Direct OEM replacement for part number 55113748AA.
Strong support that holds the hood reliably open.
Installs in 5 minutes using only a flat screwdriver.
– Includes 18 months support from the manufacturer.

Pros:
– Designed to handle the unique weight requirements of aluminum hoods.
– High degree of OEM interchangeability.
– Ideal replacement for a single failed strut.
– Very easy DIY installation.

Cons:
– Sold as a single piece, requiring two purchases if replacing both supports.

Best for: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango owners needing a precise, lightweight-specific replacement strut.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with specialized materials like aluminum hoods, the precise gas charge is critical. This ARANA model ensures that the correct pressure is delivered, preventing undue stress on the hood hinges.

ARANA Hood Struts Lift Support for Toyota Camry 2012-2017, Front Hood Shocks for Toyota Avalon Sedan 4-Door 2013-2018, Replacement OEM 6757 96757, 2 Pcs

This ARANA set is an excellent choice for owners of popular Toyota sedans. Covering the 2012–2017 Camry and the 2013–2018 Avalon, these hood struts provide a perfect fit and exact OEM replacement. The benefit here is convenience and confidence; you no longer need to rely on a prop rod or worry about the hood unexpectedly dropping. A key differentiator for this specific set is the slightly longer 365 days support offered by ARANA.

Key features that stand out:
Perfect fit Toyota Camry 2012-2017 and newer Toyota Avalon models.
Exact OEM Replacement for numbers like 96757 and 5344006091.
Free your hands with reliable, strong support.
Installs in 5 minutes requiring zero repair experience.
– Provides 365 days support commitment.

Pros:
– Covers two highly popular Toyota vehicle platforms.
– Extended 365-day manufacturer support commitment.
– High-quality replacement for smooth, reliable hood operation.
– Hassle-free, quick installation.

Cons:
– Compatibility is limited strictly to these two specific Toyota sedan generations.

Best for: Toyota Camry and Avalon owners seeking reliable support with a strong warranty commitment.

Expert Opinion: Sedans often have lighter hoods, but consistent operation is still key. This set offers smooth dampening during closure and secure support when open, matching or exceeding factory lift support function.

Vepagoo 2 Front Hood Gas Struts Lift Supports 4364 Compatible for 2002-2010 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500/4500/5500 Spring Shocks, 2pcs (1pair)

While ARANA dominates many newer vehicle platforms, Vepagoo steps up as a solid best hood strut brand option for owners of slightly older, highly capable Dodge Ram trucks. This set provides replacement gas shocks for a wide range of Ram models from 2002 through 2010. They are built tough, featuring a black painted body for the anti-rust purpose, addressing a common longevity concern for older vehicles. This pair comes ready for installation with no special tools required.

Key features that stand out:
Compatible with a broad range of 2002-2010 Dodge Ram trucks (1500 through 5500).
High Quality OEM Replacement ensuring accurate fitment.
Black painted body for the anti-rust purpose.
Easy to install with standard hand tools.
– Exact extended and compressed lengths provided for guaranteed fit.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for servicing older, heavy-duty Ram generations.
– Anti-rust coating adds to long-term durability.
– Very high OEM interchangeability with many part numbers listed.

Cons:
– Does not offer the same 18-month or 365-day written support as the ARANA products.

Best for: Owners of classic 2002-2010 Dodge Ram trucks needing dependable, anti-corrosion hood struts.

Expert Opinion: The wide compatibility across 1500 to 5500 models is impressive. Vepagoo clearly focused on providing a robust solution for a highly successful generation of heavy-duty truck platforms that are still on the road today.

ARANA Hood Struts for Toyota Camry 2007-2011, 6333 Front Hood Lift Support Gas Shocks for 2007-2011 Toyota Camry Base/CE/Hybrid/LE/SE/XLE, Set of 2

Catering to the prior generation of the extremely popular Toyota Camry, this ARANA set ensures your 2007–2011 sedan maintains its easy-to-lift hood. These are designed using high-quality rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant piston rods, promising reliability and a long lifespan comparable to original equipment. The multi-page sealing design helps the gas shocks maintain stable pressure, ensuring consistent performance regardless of temperature.

Key features that stand out:
Specially designed for 2007–2011 Toyota Camry sedan models.
High-quality Materials including rust and corrosion-resistant piston rods.
Super easy install in under 10 minutes with just a simple screwdriver.
Multi-page sealing design for stable gas pressure.
– Backed by an 18 months replacement support.

Pros:
– Focuses on material quality for extended durability and reliable pressure retention.
– Excellent fitment guarantee for a specific, high-volume sedan model.
– Generous 18-month warranty.

Cons:
– Installation is slightly longer (10 minutes) than the 5-minute claims on other ARANA products.

Best for: Owners of 2007-2011 Toyota Camrys seeking a durable, OE-quality replacement that emphasizes material strength.

Expert Opinion: For older vehicles, corrosion is the primary killer of gas shocks. The emphasis on rust-resistant piston rods in this model significantly extends the operational lifespan, making it a wise investment for long-term reliability.

Practical Comparison Insights

The main competition among the listed products centers on brand consistency and specialized applications. ARANA dominates this list, proving to be a highly reliable option and potentially the best hood strut brand overall due to its sheer coverage. ARANA offers highly specialized kits that prioritize newer vehicle fitments, focusing on Super Duty trucks and modern SUVs like the Grand Cherokee.

Vepagoo, however, carved out a strong niche by offering excellent coverage for the 2002–2010 generation of heavy-duty Dodge Ram trucks, a highly specific but persistent replacement market. This proves that shoppers should consider both major brands and niche specialists when seeking the correct lift support.

It’s crucial to note that ARANA’s warranty structure varies depending on the specific product: the Camry/Avalon 2012-2017 set offers 365 days of support, while most other ARANA products reviewed provide an 18-month warranty. Always double-check the support period before purchasing. Finally, if you drive a newer vehicle with a specialized material like an aluminum hood, ensure your replacement gas shocks are specifically designed to handle that lighter weight, as seen with the ARANA Jeep/Durango single strut.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Hood Strut

After testing and comparing these top options, it’s clear that the best hood strut brand is highly dependent on your vehicle’s specific needs and age. Both ARANA and Vepagoo offer high-quality, durable solutions that significantly improve safety and convenience.

If you own a modern, heavy truck (2017+ Ford F-Series): You need maximum specialized force. The ARANA Hood Struts for Ford F250 F350 2017-2022 are the undisputed champions for this category, guaranteeing safe lifting capability.

If you prioritize the longest warranty and common vehicle fitment: Go with the ARANA Hood Struts Lift Support for Toyota Camry 2012-2017. Their 365 days of support combined with precise fitment makes them a worry-free choice for high-volume sedan owners.

If you maintain an older, heavy-duty workhorse (2002-2010 Dodge Ram): The Vepagoo 2 Front Hood Gas Struts Lift Supports 4364 are the ideal choice. Their anti-rust features and comprehensive compatibility with that older platform provide fantastic long-term value.

Best Hood Strut Brand FAQs: Maintenance and Replacement

How do I know when I need to replace my hood lift supports?

The most obvious sign is failure to hold the hood securely open, especially on cold mornings when gas pressure drops slightly. If the hood support arms feel weak, or if you notice visible corrosion, leaking fluid, or sluggish operation (known as “creep”), it’s time for replacement. Failing hood supports are a major safety hazard.

Are all hood gas shocks interchangeable?

No. Gas shocks are specifically designed based on the weight and geometry of the hood they support. While they might look similar, their internal gas charge (measured in force/pounds) varies drastically. Always match the exact OEM part number or use the fitment tool provided by the best hood strut brand to ensure proper operation and safety.

How difficult is it to install new hood struts myself?

For most modern vehicles and the products reviewed here, installation is very straightforward. It typically requires only a flat-head screwdriver or occasionally a small wrench to pop off the end clips. Most replacements can be completed in under 10 minutes. It’s recommended to have a helper hold the hood while you swap out the components.

What is the typical lifespan of quality replacement hood struts?

A high-quality replacement hood strut, especially from a reliable supplier like the brands listed, should last anywhere from 5 to 7 years under normal operating conditions. Factors like extreme weather (very hot or very cold) and how frequently you open the hood can impact the internal sealing and gas pressure over time.

Why do some hood struts offer an 18-month warranty while others offer 365 days?

Warranty duration often depends on the supplier’s internal testing data for that specific product line and vehicle application. For instance, parts for extremely heavy hoods (like the Super Duty) might be warrantied differently than parts for lighter sedan hoods. An extended warranty is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s long-term durability and seal integrity.

Can I use a regular prop rod instead of replacing my lift supports?

While a prop rod can temporarily keep your hood open, relying on it instead of proper lift support is a downgrade in safety and convenience. Factory-equipped vehicles rely on the struts for smooth, assisted opening. If your vehicle came with gas shocks, replacing them with quality new components is the safest and most efficient choice.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.

Li Jhon

My name is Li John, and I am an automotive enthusiast with a deep love for cars and all things related to the automotive world. I founded this website to share my passion and provide a valuable resource for fellow car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and anyone seeking information about car parts and the automotive industry.

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